Railways to be more passenger friendly-Lalu

Patna, Nov 13 (UNI) Famous for taking the Railways to new height by earning huge profit during his tenure, Minister Lalu Prasad has announced to make the railways passenger-friendly by ensuring cleanliness and foolproof security.

For this Mr Prasad directed the authorities of East Central Railways (ECR) to be more passenger-oriented. During a meeting with the higher authorities of the ECR here last night the railway minister directed them to accord priority to safety and security of passengers both in trains and at the platforms. He also instructed them to maintain the schedule of trains.

Mr Prasad further asked the officers to streamline the cleaning system for railway tracks and evolve an effective waste and garbage disposal system.He said efforts were being initiated to further improve passenger amenities all over the country.

Keeping in mind the rush in ticket counters the railways was exploring some alternatives, including that of opening ticket counters at the petrol pumps.

Mr Prasad also appreciated the efforts of the ECR in giving a human face to the railways in their jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, ECR General Manager S.K.Vij reviewed the performance of all divisions in his jurisdiction and directed senior officers to take up passenger amenities work on a priority basis.

Dissatisfied with the functioning of inquiry counters, Mr Vij asked all Divisional Railway Managers to improve these within two months. A team was also constituted to ensure proper functioning of the inquiry counters which must display the fares.

After the meeting sources at the ECR said facilities to be developed at the railway stations include food plazas, Automatic Ticket Vending Machine, ATMs, Cybercafes, pay and use toilets, booking windows and modular benches. The sources said 25 railway stations had been selected for establishing such facilities.

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